Resident Or Former Resident Visas

Resident and former resident visas are for those who have previously had a permanent visa to remain in Australia or are former Australian citizens and wish to return to Australia.

Former Resident Visa Subclass 151

This visa is for applicants who were former permanent residents of Australian or have served in the Australian Defence Force before 19 January 1981. Applicants in the earlier category must be under the age of 45, never have acquired Australian citizenship and must have some business, economic, cultural or personal ties within Australia. Applicants in the latter must have completed at least 3 months of service in the Australian Defence Service; or have been discharged before completing the 3 months because the applicant was medically unfit for service. This visa affords applicants the opportunity to resettle as permanent residents under concessional criteria. This is a permanent visa.

Resident Return Visa Subclass 155 – 157

This visa is for applicants who are current or former Australian permanent residents or former Australian citizens who have left Australia and allows an applicant to regain permanent residency status. A grant of any permanent visa gives the visa holder the right to leave and re-enter Australia at will for 5 years, however should a visa holder be outside of Australia at the end of the 5 years, a resident return visa or another appropriate visa will be required in order to regain the right to return and live in Australia. This is a permanent visa.

Even if you do not meet the criteria you may be eligible for a different visa or may be able to demonstrate circumstances that will grant you an exemption from certain requirements. To determine your eligibility for a resident or former resident visa take our free online assessment.